This coarse, herbacious perennial is one of the early spring flowers of
the desert, sometimes blooming along road shoulders and in sandy washes
in late February and March. Commonly called wild rhubarb, its sap and
roots are high in tannin content, and its delicately pink fruits are
more attractive than the blossoms. Indians and Mexicans use the leaves
for greens. Papago Indians of Arizona roast the leaves and use the roots
for treating colds and sore throat. This plant is a close relative of
European dock, several species of which have become naturalized in North
America.
_Rumex hymenosepalus_ Buckwheat Family
[Illustration: CANAIGRE]